KRISTEL BECHARA // ARTIST

July 26, 2018

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Beachroad Magazinemeets Dubai based Artist Kristel Bechara, best known for the expressive colour and form of her unique dynamic artworks. Over a decade-long career, she has worked in several media, from oil, acrylic to limited edition giclée printmaking. Although her subjects are traditional, her revolutionary use of brilliant colorful patterns and exuberantly photographic imagery results in powerful pop art.

YOUR FIRST JOB? // Graphic Designer at a boutique agency in Beirut.

WHERE WERE YOU BORN? // In Byblos, Lebanon.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME AN ARTIST? // I’m influenced by my late father, who was a surrealist artist and sculptor. I must have gotten his gift and I have been encouraged to express myself and create art ever since I was a child.

WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES INVOLVED? // The most challenging part was being able to transition from an amateur artist to a full-time professional artist by leaving behind an advanced career and taking a gamble that my art is going to be popular.

WHERE WOULD YOUR 5 DREAM GALLERIES BE LOCATED? // In order of interest: Dubai, New York, Paris, Barcelona, and London.

IF YOU WERE NOT AN ARTIST WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING? // A psychiatrist.

WHEN DID YOU REALISE THE ART WORLD WAS FOR YOU? // As an amateur, the art world was always a passion, as a professional when I first published my “Beauty in Diversity” collection and received an order within the hour.

YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST? // I have many favorites from Andy Warhol to Miriam Shapiro. But my absolute favorite is Henri Matisse.